Researchers identified 22 genes in the medicinal fungus Cordyceps militaris that control how genetic information is accessed through histone modifications. By studying how these genes respond to salt and amino acid treatments, they found that two specific genes (CmSET14 and CmSET16) are linked to cordycepin production, a compound with potential anti-cancer properties. When these genes were enhanced in the fungus, cordycepin production increased significantly, offering a new strategy to boost production of this valuable medicinal compound.